Where I'd Gone ⌲ River Phoenix ((COMPLETED))

Escape

I was anxious waiting to know what happened. Everything rushed through my mind all at once. Could one of my family members pass away? Did someone get killed at/near my house?

I rushed out of the car without saying thank you or even goodbye. Mickey was right behind me, with his eyes wide open. "Chrissy? What's happening ?" He shouted through the commotion. I noticed all my neighbors were standing outside their houses, all perplexed as I am.

I walked up to my door and got greeted by a police officer. "Stay behind me Mickey." I said.

"Hello, I'm officer Burton. We have some news we would like to tell you." He motioned us to go inside the house. How did he even open the door to my house?

"You are Christine and Mickey Lane, correct?" He asked while writing some things down on a notepad. I nodded and Mickey sat next to me at the dinner table.

"Please officer tell us what happened," I pleaded. I needed to know because I was getting very impatient.

He sighed and took his cap off. He had spiked blonde hair and he ruffled it up. "Look... There's no easy way to tell you this but..." I was dreading the next words he was about to say. I felt like falling apart already without even knowing about the news. I blocked Mickey's ears with my hands as he continued his sentence. "Your mother was in a very bad car crash." He looked down to the floor, not knowing how to say his next words. My gut dropped, and I was about to scream, but it was as if something kept me from it.

"She is critically injured and being treated in the hospital right now." I let go of Mickey's ears and tried to keep my tears in so he wouldn't know. My eyes were getting puffy and red, and that's when Mickey realized I was crying.

"What's wrong?" He started to tear up as well. He seemed to be the kind of person that takes in the same emotions he sees around him. Officer Burton put his hand on my back and I let him, because he was the only adult that could protect me in this house anymore. My dad was gone, who knows but my mom might be paralyzed, she might've hit her head real hard and maybe she won't even remember Mickey and I.

Once again everything came rushing through my mind and I thought, I didn't say goodbye to River. "Will you excuse me?" I asked. He nodded. "I'll watch Mickey." He insisted, and I gave him a smile of approval.

I walked back outside, hoping their car would still be there. But it wasn't. A feeling of guilt washed over me, knowing I ruined any possible friendship I would ever have with River. I sat on my porch and watched the police cars pack their things up. I was deeply saddened... And I didn't want to do anything but cry. And I didn't even give him my number! Now I can add another thing to my list of sad things today.

I imagined River was sitting right next to me, and I dug my head into his shoulder, letting out shrill cries. I laid onto the cold metal bench out on the porch of my childhood home that now held so much tragedy and pain. I closed my eyes, escaping this sad world that is now my life.

February 10, 1986

I guess I fell asleep on that frosty bench because now I woke up in my bed. Someone must've carried me to my bed last night... But who? I'm guessing it was Officer Burton. He's a sweet guy.

I got up slowly from the bed and went to go check on Mickey, who was fast asleep cradling his action figures. It was 11 am. Yesterday was a long day so I guess I deserved those extra few hours to sleep in. I usually don't get to sleep in during school anyway, but the thought of school was the least of my problems.

After contemplating for a few minutes, I decided not to wake him up and just go downstairs and try to make some breakfast and keep my mind off things. As I was walking downstairs, I heard the doorbell, and went to go answer it.